Alexandra McClain
Ask anyone who attends Club Arc, and you’ll quickly find it’s a regular Friday night happening at The Arc Jacksonville.
“I get excited about it every week!” said Eric W., a faithful Club Arc attendee who enjoys dancing and playing Bingo with friends at Club Arc.
Club Arc is open every Friday in two locations, at 4401 Wesconnett Boulevard on the Westside and at the new Arc Jacksonville Village off Hodges Boulevard. Club Arc is for adults 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It provides a social environment perfect for fun activities and an exciting place to make new friends.
Friday nights at Club Arc aren’t just about the people who attend. They are the place to be for the helping hands who make it happen. Club Arc wouldn’t be what it is without the help of community volunteers working with The Arc Jacksonville’s staff.
Become a volunteer and help with registration, set up, food service, music and other activities that make Club Arc successful.
“Volunteers have been imperative to the success of Club Arc for the past six years,” said Kelly Brenner, The Arc Jacksonville’s AmeriCorps Program Director who leads and organizes Club Arc. “They are Club Arc – they not only help run the operations, but they are the reason the party goers look forward to coming every Friday night!” At Club Arc, volunteers become extended family and friends to many regular attendees who look forward to seeing them every week.
Attendees look forward to dancing, theme nights and socializing with familiar faces. Bingo championships, karaoke competitions and dance contests are the highlight of many Friday nights at Club Arc.
“I like karaoke and I like to dance!” said Toni W. He enjoys doing popular dances, such as the whip and the nae-nae. Many dance and sing right up to the moment it’s time to close.
Club Arc West on Wesconnett Blvd. is open from 6pm-9pm with a $7 entry fee for non–members and a $5 fee for members. Club Arc East at The Arc Jacksonville Village is open from 8pm-11pm and charges a $5 entry fee for non-residents of The Village. The fees cover food, snacks, activities and entertainment provided at both locations.
Join The Arc Jacksonville and volunteer today! It’s a great opportunity for college-aged students who need volunteer hours, along with anyone else interested in a fun way to give back to the community. Volunteers can register by visiting arcjacksonville.org, where you can find a full list of volunteer opportunities.
For more weekly updates with Club Arc, follow their Facebook page: Club Arc Jax. For more information on The Arc Jacksonville’s programs and services please visit arcjacksonville.org, or follow on social media via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts: @TheArcJacksonville.
Follow FOLIO!